Questions About In-Car 3D

Hi all,

After reading many many posts on this great forum for some time now, I can definitely see that VIA low power cpu's are the one of choice. However after reading reviews on the EDEN processors & EPIA boards, I see a recurring view of low 3D and graphics performance.

Aside from the proven audio multimedia capability, and good mpeg-1/2 playback, I want to also display winamp visualizations during mp3 playback in my vehicle with a VIA solution. I'd like to get some feedback from people who've tried this, to know if those wonderful visualizations run at acceptable frame rates.

Also I'd like to keep this open to Pentium owners as well - since these processors are built for number crunching, I figure they'll handle winamp's visualizations easily. I wonder if there are any in-dash P4M mini-itx success stories, with respect to 3D performance?

PS - This isn't a "Can I run Unreal on it?" type question. Winamp's visualizations are very processor dependent, and not very reliant on 3D acceleration. I'm just trying to figure out what solution can fit in a C134 case, and not melt/catch fire at 30fps.

Still deciding...

Big thanks for the reply - I was starting to see too many EPIA/Via bashing reviews and was getting concerned. Its good to see that these boards/processors can handle the load.

That didn't stop me from investigating the 12V SlimPro PC's (Cappuccino) last night though. I think their smaller size (than a C134) and better 3D performance to be sounding too good to be true. In one review someone was running Warcraft 3 at playable framerates.

But egads, whats up with their high prices?? Their latest system with the Pentium M and decent HD&Ram crosses $1000US!! I might go the Via route just to save the money for a better LCD!

y not try something similar to the epia like this jetway B860T its about 10mm bigger then the epia. but it has a 370 socket u could get something in there thats more powerfull. or even a a shuttle mobo would do the trick those are decent. u would have to look for the right size but they are out there.

y not try something similar to the epia like this jetway B860T its about 10mm bigger then the epia. but it has a 370 socket u could get something in there thats more powerfull. or even a a shuttle mobo would do the trick those are decent. u would have to look for the right size but they are out there.